Questions: A nurse providing care to a client diagnosed with genital herpes is teaching the client about this sexually transmitted infection (STI). The nurse determines that the teaching was successful based on which statement(s)? Select all that apply. "If I take the medication, I will be cured." "I can't transmit the infection if I don't have lesions." I need to avoid sunburns. "If I have another episode, it will be worse than the first one." "I need to get enough rest and eat right"

The correct statements indicating successful teaching about genital herpes are:

• "I need to get enough rest and eat right."

Explanation for each option:

1. "If I take the medication, I will be cured."

   • This statement is incorrect. Genital herpes is a lifelong infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). While antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, they do not cure the infection.

2. "I can't transmit the infection if I don't have lesions."

   • This statement is incorrect. Genital herpes can be transmitted even when there are no visible lesions or symptoms, through asymptomatic viral shedding.

3. "I need to avoid sunburns."

   • This statement is not directly related to genital herpes management. While sunburns can trigger outbreaks in some individuals with oral herpes (cold sores), it is not a standard precaution for genital herpes.

4. "If I have another episode, it will be worse than the first one."

   • This statement is incorrect. Recurrent episodes of genital herpes are typically less severe and shorter in duration than the initial outbreak.

5. "I need to get enough rest and eat right."

   • This statement is correct. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including adequate rest and nutrition, can help support the immune system and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.

In summary, the statement "I need to get enough rest and eat right" reflects an understanding of managing genital herpes through lifestyle choices, while the other statements contain misconceptions about the infection.